Tamil Nadu is a safe haven for travellers all around the world. With deep-rooted tradition and a friendly population, this southern state tops the foreign tourist visits. Temples like the majestic Madurai Meenakshi Amman, meticulous Brihadeeswara, towering Sri Rangam, scenic Shore Temple, and recently, Athi Varadar in Kanchipuram draw people for their splendour and ineffable history. Tamil Nadu is one ubiquitous Indian state with everything. From temples, cultural retreats, spicy and healthy food, impactful monuments, to urbanised cities, the state creates the perfect space for authentic travellers, backpackers, foreign travellers, and free-spirited explorers.
To make touring in Tamil Nadu even more interesting, here is a less-explored list for waking up the dormant traveller in you!
Keezhadi – Unearthing Oldest Civilization
If the world wants to unearth the secrets of the oldest civilisation that celebrated Women, Keezhadi is the place to start with. Recent excavations have led to findings of an ancient civilisation that thrived along the banks of the Vaigai River around 200 B.C. The controversial site is right out of the Sangam Era, according to the legitimate Carbon Dating methodology. The artefacts found and the water management system carried out confirm the urbanised civilisation that existed 2,200 years ago.
Many beliefs and ideologies can turn to ashes; moreover, new theories might even destroy a number of myths if the next level of excavation is carried out quickly. The art and texts found in pots found here confirm the artistic qualities of the Tamizh Women of the erstwhile era. The site is just 12 km Southeast of Madurai.
Dhanushkodi – The Ghost Town of Tamil Nadu
A single day is enough to explore the melancholic trails of Dhanushkodi. It means “end of the bow”. The unforgettable cyclone of 1964 demolished the whole town and made it abandoned. Arichhal Munai is a famous point, and this is where controversies and stories overpower factual reality.
Witness it for yourself, the emptiness of a fishing hamlet with remnants of schools, post offices, railway tracks, and a surreal atmosphere. Explore this Ghost Town after visiting the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, travelling via the Pamban Bridge for a wholesome experience.
Valparai – The Seventh Heaven of Tamil Nadu
One of the hill stations was missed out in Tamil Nadu. People often book a trip to Kodaikanal and Ooty, leaving this Seventh Heaven, untouched! This sweet spot is close to Coimbatore and is driven beautifully by the tourism industry, coffee, and tea plantations. The probability of a traveller encountering a wild animal is high in this hill station. From exotic avian population to rare fauna, and Sholayar Dam, to Aliyar Dam, Valparai is conducive for homestays and weekend rides with all the necessary turns and curves.
Tranquebar – The Land of the Singing Waves
“The Land of the Singing Waves” – That’s the moniker of this beach town. The place is famous for the Dansborg Fort, built during the era of the Thanjavur Nayakar Dynasty by the Dutch people. The hue of sepia is vibrant around the place, although the town is tiny. The character of this historic spot is supported by its erstwhile architecture in churches, vintage homes, and terras like Goldsmith Street. Take a heritage tour to this amusing arena for revisiting history in novel shades.
Hogenakkal – The Smoky Rocks of South India
This bucolic hamlet is just 50 km away from the Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. “Hoge” means smoke, and “Kal” means rocks. “Smoky Rocks”. This scenic terrain is often compared with the Niagara Waterfalls of North America. The place borders two states – Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Most tourists prefer this place in South India for rejuvenating massages like those of Kerala. Coracle Boat Rides are the most sought-after mini-adventure in Hogenakkal.
Mannavanur – The Hidden Hilly Charm
Get into an entranced state, exploring the human untouched portions of Mannavanur near Kodaikanal. En route to Mannavanur, you’ll come across another famous region in Kodaikanal – Poomparai. Unveil the covered vistas in the offbeat areas of Kodaikanal instead of taking the usual sightseeing places. Horse rides, pleasant homestays, friendly people, and captivating scenes make Mannavanur a perfect place for a refreshing holiday.
Bellikkal – A Hidden Paradise near Ooty
Just at a distance of 16 km from Ooty, Bellikkal offers an exhilarating view of the Mudumalai and Bandipur forests and the Moyar River. It is your silent Ayurvedic massage destination if you are hustling daily to experience it in Kerala. The photogenic scenes of Bellikkal Lake, fauna-rich Bison Valley, picturesque Kalhatti Falls, and the overall avifauna of this region create the appropriate setting for birdwatchers and Nature Walk enthusiasts.
Chettinad – The Land of Palaces and Spices
The prime attraction of Chettinad is its spicy cuisine and heritage palaces. From the anklet of women, towering pillars, plentiful balconies, to finely ground spices, this cultural hotspot should have thrived vibrantly with the population of Nattukottai Chettiars for over 100 years. You’ll enter the house from one street and exit from another street. Beyond palatial homes and lip-smacking dishes, Thirumayam Fort and Pillayarpatti Temple are other attractions. Stroll through the streets and get enthralled by looking at giant keys for unlocking mammoth homes.
Vattakanal – The Hummus Heart
Encounter the chariots of fog approaching you when you are eating Humus in Lonely Planet recommended Altaf’s Cafe, climbing steeply to your homestays, sipping masala chai, and devouring Pears during your pleasant stroll in Coaker’s Walk. The luscious panoramic views of Shembaganur from this place, the high probability of seeing a Bison in less than 100 m distance, and risky trails taking the Stag Squads to breathtaking sights make Vattakanal a place to soak in during the monsoon and winter seasons. Stay above 7,000 feet with your loved ones in total tranquillity and wake up to window frames that show you the natural beauty of the mist-cuddling mountains.
Velliangiri Hills – The Kailash of the South
The seven hills trek of Velliangiri near Coimbatore is a hardcore trekking experience for newbies and an intermediate one for the experienced trekking population. Countless stories of Lord Shiva surround this salubrious and sacred spot of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Mount Kailash is compared with this holy zone and is often referred to as the Kailash of the South. Atop the hill, under a small cave, is the natural Linga of Lord Shiva at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level. As a “Pancha Linga” territory, this highly revered place is filled with devotees, nature lovers, and trek enthusiasts during the annual pilgrimage season. Mooladhara, Swadhishtanam, Mani Poorakam, Anahatham, Vishudhi, Aagna, and Sahasraaram are the seven hills, respectively.
